Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A turn signal indicator (130) for a vehicle (100) comprising:
a housing (136) having a main surface (136a) and a plurality of side surfaces (136b) extending from the main surface (136a);
a light source (138) disposed in the housing (136) and adapted to be attached to the main surface (136a) of the housing (136);
a reflector (140) arranged on the plurality of side surfaces (136b) of the housing (136) such that light from the light source (138) is reflected from the reflector (140) towards a lens (142);
the lens (142) adapted to cover the housing (136) and transmit light in a first direction;
one or more first concealing members (144) disposed in the housing (136) and adapted to conceal the light source (138) such that the light source (138) is not visible when viewed in a second direction opposite the first direction.

2. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second concealing member (148) disposed outside the housing (136) and adapted to cover a first portion (142a) of the lens (142) such that the first concealing member (144) is not visible when viewed in the second direction.

3. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second portion (142b) of the lens (142) indicates a right direction or left direction of the vehicle (100).

4. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first concealing member (144) is a separator integrally formed with the reflector (140).

5. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second concealing member (148) is a lens cover adapted to be detachably attached to the lens (142).

6. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein the reflector (140) is detachably attached to the main surface (136a) of the housing (136).

7. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source (138) is a printed circuit board with plurality of light emitting diodes (150).

8. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 4, wherein the light source (138) and the reflector (140) are detachably attached to the main surface (136a) of the housing (136) with one or more fasteners (F).

9. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turn signal indicators (130) are detachably attached to a front portion and/or a rear portion of the vehicle (100).

10. The turn signal indicator (130) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turn signal indicator acts as a turn indicator on receiving a first control switch input and a warning/hazard indicator on receiving a second control switch input.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a turn signal indicator for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to turn signal indicator having one or more concealing members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Turn signal indicators indicate rider’s next move to other riders on a road. Conventionally, four indicators are required in any vehicle, for example a two-wheeled vehicle. The turn signal indicators include a pair of indicators arranged on the front portion of the vehicle and a pair of indicators arranged on the rear portion of the vehicle. The turn signal indicators help the rider to communicate his/her intentions to other riders on the road.
[003] Conventionally, round shaped bulb type indicators were used in the vehicles. With technological advancement, the bulb type indicators were replaced with Light Emitting Diodes (LED) type indicators. However, in both the bulb type turn signal indicators and LED type turn signal indicators, in dark or during night, though the indicators are visible from afar, the intention of the rider, in exactly which direction he/she is going to make a turn is not clear. This becomes a major safety issue when a headlight, stop light or a rear lamp of the vehicle is not working.
[004] Further, due to direct visibility of the LEDs in the LED type turn signal indicators, the aesthetics of the front and the rear portion of the vehicle is compromised. Also, direct visibility of the LEDs in the turn signal indicator lamps produces glaring effect, which makes the driving experience for rider behind the main vehicle or rider coming from an opposite side of the main vehicle unpleasant. Further, it has always been desired to have turn signal indicators which are modular and can be easily fitted onto any of the four locations on the vehicle without any limitations with respect to left or right direction of the vehicle. Further, it has always been desired to use minimum number of LEDs in turn signal indicators with an improved visibility of indication and homogenous dispersion of light.
[005] More number of LED’s generate heat, which further creates a need for a heat sink to dissipate the heat produced by increased number of LEDs. Addition of the heat sink will increase the number of parts of the turn signal indicator which is undesirable.
[006] Further, there have been attempts to manufacture turn signal indicators which are conical in shape, to successfully indicate the intention of the rider, with respect to direction in which the rider intends to turn the vehicle. However, such differently shaped turn signal indicators are not modular in nature. For example, a right turn signal lamp indicator has to be fitted on right side of the vehicle and cannot be fitted on left side of the vehicle and vice versa. Further, conical shaped turn signal indicators have complicated structure and it is difficult to pack components of the turn signal indicators such as light sources, reflectors, etc. inside such conical shaped turn signal indicators. The manufacture of conical shaped turn signal indicator increases the production costs as well as increases the assembly time which is undesirable.
[007] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, a turn signal indicator for a vehicle is disclosed. The turn signal indicator comprises a housing having a main surface and a plurality of side surfaces. The plurality of side surfaces extend from the main surface. The turn signal indicator further comprises a light source, a reflector, a lens and one or more first concealing members. The light source is disposed in the housing and adapted to be attached to the main surface of the housing. The reflector is arranged on the side surfaces of the housing such that light from the light source is reflected from the reflector towards the lens. The lens is adapted to cover the housing and transmit light in a first direction. The first direction is the rearward direction (with respect to the vehicle) when the turn signal indicators are arranged on the rear portion of the vehicle. The first direction is the front direction (with respect to the vehicle) when the turn signal indicators are arranged on the front portion of the vehicle. The one or more first concealing members are disposed in the housing and adapted to conceal the light source such that the light source is not visible when viewed in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[009] In an embodiment, the turn signal indicator comprises a second concealing member. The lens of the turn signal indicator comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second concealing member is disposed outside the housing and is adapted to cover a first portion of the lens such that the first concealing member is not visible when viewed in the second direction. The second portion of the lens indicates a right direction or a left direction of the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the first concealing member is a separator integrally formed with the reflector.
[011] In an embodiment, the second concealing member is a lens cover adapted to be detachably attached to the vehicle.
[012] In an embodiment, the reflector is detachably attached to the main frame.
[013] In an embodiment, the light source is a printed circuit board with plurality of light emitting diodes.
[014] In an embodiment, the light source and the reflector are detachably attached to the main frame with one or more fasteners.
[015] In an embodiment, the turn signal indicators are detachably attached to a front portion and/or a rear portion of the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the turn signal indicator acts as a turn indicator on receiving a first control switch input and a warning/hazard indicator on receiving a second control switch input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the turn signal indicator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the turn signal indicator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a front view of the turn signal indicator illustrating a light source being assembled in the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a front view of the turn signal indicator illustrating a reflector and a first concealing member being assembled in the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the turn signal indicator illustrating a reflector and a first concealing member being assembled in the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of the turn signal lamp indicator illustrating transmission of light in the first direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the turn signal indicator illustrating a second concealing member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the turn signal indicator without a second concealing member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeled vehicle.
[020] It is to be noted that a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the two-wheeled vehicle 100, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle 100, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[021] Arrows provided in the top left corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the two-wheeled vehicle 100, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rt denotes right direction and arrow Lt denotes left direction, as and where applicable.
[022] The vehicle 100 comprises a prime mover 102 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the prime mover 102 is an internal combustion engine, which is preferably a single-cylinder engine. The vehicle 100 comprises a front wheel 104, a rear wheel 106, a frame member, a seat 108 and a fuel tank 110. The frame member includes a head pipe 112, a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 112 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension assembly 114 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension assembly 114 supports the front wheel 104.
[023] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 104 is covered by a front fender 116 mounted to the lower portion of the suspension assembly at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 118 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 100. A headlight 120, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 122 is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 112. The down tube (not shown) of the frame member may be positioned in front of the prime mover 102 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 112. The main tube of the frame member is located above the prime mover 102 and extends rearward from head pipe 112.
[024] The fuel tank 110 is mounted on the main tube. The seat rails are joined to main tube and extend rearward to support the seat 108. A rear swing arm 126 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 106 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm. A taillight unit 128 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat 108. A pair of turn signal indicators 130 (shown in Figure 2-10) are disposed at the front portion of the vehicle 100 and the rear portion of the vehicle 100.
[025] A grab rail 132 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 106 arranged below the seat 108 rotates by the motive force of the prime mover 102 transmitted through a transmission assembly (not shown).
[026] Further, a rear fender 134 is disposed above the rear wheel 106. An exhaust pipe (not shown) of the vehicle 100 extends vertically downward from the prime mover 102 and then extends below the prime mover 102, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 100 before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 106.
[027] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[028] As shown, the pair of turn signal indicators 130 are disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle 100 on either side of the taillight unit 128. Although not shown, the pair of turn signal indicators are also disposed at the front portion of the vehicle 100 on either side of the headlight 120. In one-non limiting example, the turn signal indicators are detachably attached to rear portion and/or the front portion of the vehicle 100.
[029] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the turn signal indicator 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the turn signal indicator 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[030] As shown, the turn signal indicator 130 comprises a housing 136, a light source 138, a reflector 140, a lens 142 and one or more first concealing members 144.
[031] The housing 136 comprises a main surface 136a and a plurality of side surfaces 136b extending from the main surface 136a. The plurality of side surfaces 136b define an opening through which the light source 138, the reflector 140 and the one or more first concealing member 144 are inserted into the housing 136. The light source 138 is disposed in the housing 136 and adapted to be attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136. The reflector 140 is disposed in the housing 136 such that the reflector 140 is attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 and arranged on the plurality of side surfaces 136b of the housing 136. The reflector 140 is arranged on the plurality of side surfaces 136b such that light from the light source 138 is reflected from the reflector 140 towards the lens 142. The lens 142 is adapted to cover the opening of the housing 136 and transmit light in a first direction. The first direction is the rearward direction (with respect to the vehicle 100) when the turn signal indicators 130 are arranged on the rear portion of the vehicle 100. The first direction is the front direction (with respect to the vehicle 100) when the turn signal indicators 130 are arranged on the front portion of the vehicle 100. The one or more first concealing members 144 are disposed in the housing 136 and adapted to conceal the light source 138 such that the light source 138 is not visible when viewed in a second direction opposite the first direction. The one or more first concealing members 144 are arranged between the light source 138 and the lens 142. The second direction is the front direction when the turn signal indicators 130 are arranged on the rear portion of the vehicle. The second direction is the rearward direction when the turn signal indicators 130 are arranged on the front portion of the vehicle 100.
[032] In an embodiment, the turn signal indicator 130 comprises a second concealing member 148. The lens 142 of the turn signal indicator 130 comprises a first portion 142a and a second portion 142b. The second concealing member 148 is disposed outside the housing 136 and adapted to cover a first portion 142a of the lens 142 such that light is not transmitted from the first portion 142a of the lens 142 in the first direction. The second portion 142b of the lens 142 transmits the light in the first direction and has a shape which indicates right or left direction of the vehicle. In one non-limiting example, the second portion 142b of the lens 142 has a shape of an arrow. In one non-limiting example, the second concealing member 148 is a lens cover adapted to be detachably attached to the lens 142. The second concealing member/ lens cover 148 has a concealing portion 148a to conceal the first portion 142a of the lens 142 and a cut-out portion 148b through which the second portion 142b of the lens 142 is visible.
[033] In an embodiment, the first concealing member 144 is a separator integrally formed with the reflector 140. It is to be understood that the first concealing member 144 can be formed independently of the reflector 140.
[034] In an embodiment, the reflector 140 and the light source 138 are detachably attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 with one or more fasteners. As shown in Figure 4, the reflector 140 and the light source 138 are detachably attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 with two fasteners F. It is to be understood that as the reflector 140 and light source 136 are attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 with same fasteners F, thereby the number of fasteners required in the turn signal indicator 130 of the present invention are reduced.
[035] In an embodiment, the light source 138 is a printed circuit board with plurality of light emitting diodes 150. In one non-limiting example, one first concealing member 144 is used to conceal all the light emitting diodes 150. In another non-limiting example, a plurality of first concealing members 144 are used to conceal all the light emitting diodes 150.
[036] In an embodiment, the turn signal indicator 130 acts as a turn signal indicator on receiving a first control switch input from the vehicle 100 and a warning/hazard indicator on receiving a second control switch input from the vehicle 100.
[037] In an embodiment, the main surface 136a of the housing 136 includes an air vent 152 for dissipating the heat generated by light source 138.
[038] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a hole 154 having internal threads and capable of receiving a stay 158 having external threads. The stay 158 is further adapted to receive a stud 162 (Refer Figure 9) and an insert 164. During mounting of turn signal indicators 130 onto the vehicle 100, the stud 162 of the turn signal indicator 130 is received in a receiving member (not shown) provided on the vehicle 100. The turn signal indicator 130 is rotated until the turn signal indicator 130 is locked against the receiving member of the vehicle 100 by the insert 164. This type of mounting ensures that minimum number of parts are involved during mounting of turn signal indicator 130 onto the vehicle 100. This type of mounting also ensures that the turn signal indicator 130 can be mounted on the vehicle 100 with minor adjustments.
[039] Figure 5 is a front view of the turn signal indicator 130 illustrating a light source 138 being assembled in the housing 136, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[040] As shown, the light source 138 is attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 of the turn signal indicator 130. The light source 138 is detachably attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 with two fasteners F. In one non-limiting example, the light source is a printed circuit board having a plurality of light emitting diodes 150.
[041] Figure 6 is a front view of the turn signal indicator 130 illustrating a reflector 140 and a first concealing member 144 being assembled in the housing 136, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the turn signal indicator 130 illustrating a reflector 140 and a first concealing member 144 being assembled in the housing 136, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[042] As shown, the reflector 140 and the first concealing member 144 are integrally formed with each other and attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the reflector 140 and the first concealing member 144 can be formed separately. The light source 138 and the reflector 140 are attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136 with one or more fasteners F. The reflector 140 is arranged on the plurality of side surfaces 136b of the housing 136 such that light from the light source 138 is reflected from the reflector 140 towards the lens 142. As shown, the one or more first concealing member 144 conceals the light source 138 when viewed in the second direction opposite the first direction. The first direction is the direction in which the light is transmitted and the second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction.
[043] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the turn signal lamp indicator 130 illustrating transmission of light in the first direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[044] As shown, light from the light source 138 is reflected from the reflector 140 towards a lens 142 which transmits light in a first direction. The first concealing member 144 conceals the light source 138 such that light source 138 is not visible when viewed in the second direction opposite the first direction. The second concealing member 148 conceals the first concealing member 144 such that first concealing member 144 is not visible when viewed in the second direction. In other words, both the light source 138 as well as first concealing member 144 are not visible when viewed in the second direction.
[045] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the turn signal indicator 130 illustrating a second concealing member 144, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[046] As shown, the turn signal indicator 130 comprises a second concealing member 148. The lens 142 of the turn signal indicator 130 comprises a first portion 142a and a second portion 142b. The second concealing member 148 is disposed outside the housing 136 and adapted to cover a first portion 142a of the lens 142 such that light is not transmitted from the first portion 142a of the lens 142. The second portion 142b of the lens 142 transmits light and has a shape which indicates right or left direction of the vehicle 100. In one non-limiting example, the second concealing member 148 is a lens cover adapted to be detachably attached to the lens 142. The lens cover 148 has a concealing portion 148a to conceal the first portion of the lens 142 and a cut-out portion 148b through which the second portion 142b of the lens 142 is visible.
[047] During mounting of the turn signal indicators 130 onto the vehicle 100, the stud 162 of the turn signal indicator 130 is received in a receiving member (not shown) provided on the vehicle 100. The turn signal indicator 130 is rotated until the turn signal indicator 130 is locked against the receiving member of the vehicle 100 by the insert 164.
[048] Owing to the arrangement of the first concealing member 144 and the second concealing member 148 and mounting of the turn signal indicator on the vehicle using the stay 158, the stud 162 and the insert 164, the turn signal indicators 130 are modular in nature. In other words, the turn signal indicator 130 can be mounted on right/left side and front/rear portion of the vehicle 100 without compromising on the functionality of the turn signal indicator 130. The second portion 142b of the lens 142 will indicate right direction of the vehicle 100 when the turn signal indicator 130 is mounted on right side of the vehicle 100. The second portion 142b of the lens 142 will indicate left direction of the vehicle 100 when the turn signal indicator 130 is mounted on left side of the vehicle 100.
[049] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the turn signal indicator 130 without a second concealing member 144, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[050] As shown, a collimator 166 is arranged in the housing 136 between the light source 138 and the lens 142. The collimator 166 comprises the integrally formed reflector 140 and first concealing member 144. The shape of the reflector 140 indicates the right direction or the left direction of the vehicle 100 and, therefore, a need of the second concealing member 148 is eliminated in the turn signal indicator 130. The collimator 166 and the light source 138 are detachably attached to the main surface 136a of the housing 136.
[051] Advantageously, the second portion 142b of the lens 142 of the turn signal indicator 130 clearly communicates the intention of the rider about the direction in which he intends to take a turn. The turn signal indicator 130 of the vehicle 100 will function even if the headlight 120/taillight unit 128 of the vehicle 100 is not working.
[052] Further, the construction of the turn signal indicator 130 is simple and allows easy assembly of different components such as the light source 138, the reflector 140, one or more first concealing members 144 in the housing 136 of the turn signal indicator 130. Owing to ease in construction and assembly, the production time and costs of manufacturing the turn signal indicators 130 is significantly reduced.
[053] Further, as the light source 138 and the one or more first concealing member 144 are not visible in the second direction, the aesthetics of the vehicle 100 is increased.
[054] Further, owing to arrangement of the light source 138, the reflector 140, the first concealing member 144 and the second concealing member 148 in the turn signal indicator 130, the dispersion of light is homogeneous without glare.
[055] Further, same fasteners F are used for fastening both the light source 138 and the reflector 140 to the main surface 136a of the housing 136. Also, owing to arrangement of the light source 138, the reflector 140, the first concealing member 144 and the second concealing member 148 in the turn signal indicator 130, homogenous dispersion of light is achieved with lesser number of light emitting diodes 150. As the number of light emitting diodes 150 is less, the need for heat sink to dissipate the heat produced by the light emitting diodes 150 is eliminated. The number of parts in the turn signal indicator 130 of the present invention is, therefore, less.
[056] The turn signal indicator 130 of the present invention is modular and can be easily fitted onto the front portion and rear portion on the vehicle 100 without any limitations with respect to left or right direction of the vehicle 100.
[057] Further, owing to the first concealing member 144 and the second concealing member 148, the turn signal indicator 130 indicates the direction of the vehicle 100. The first concealing member 144 and the second concealing member 148 blocks the light and gives an arrow shaped lighting, when the turn signal indicator is lit and ensures to indicate the direction of the turn being taken by the rider of the vehicle 100.
[058] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
List of reference numerals
100- vehicle
102- prime mover
104- front wheel
106- rear wheel
108- seat
110- fuel tank
112- head pipe
114- suspension assembly
116- front fender
118- handle bar
120- headlight
122- instrument cluster
126- swing arm
128- tail light unit
130- turn signal indiactors
132- grab rail
134- rear fender
136- housing
136a- main surface of the hosuing
136b- side surfaces of the housing
138- light source
140- reflector
142- lens
142a- first portion
142b- second portion
144- first concealing member
148- second concealing member
148a- concealing portion
148b- cut out portion
150- Light emitting diodes
152- air vent
154- hole
158- stay
162- stud
164- insert
166-collimator